Design and Validation of Enhanced Fixtures for THz Dielectric Waveguide Sensors and Applications

In this paper, we present the design, validation, and characterization of effective fixtures for 3D-printed dielectric waveguides (DWGs) operating in the sub-THz to THz domain. To minimize interference with DWG performance, various layer heights were designed and analyzed using a 3D full-wave electromagnetic (EM) solver. An innovative 3D-printed fixture, termed the RF-brim, provides an efficient solution by securely supporting DWGs in a floating configuration. This design minimizes signal loss and suppresses the propagation of higher-order modes. Additionally, the RF-brim offers scalability, enabling its use in large sensoric, antenna, or fluidic channel applications without disrupting signal propagation. To validate the simulation results, experimental measurements were conducted, highlighting the fabrication limitations of different fixtures, primarily influenced by variations in layer size.